Football

Breaking down the 2019 Fabulous 55: Nos. 20-16

The release of the initial 2019 Fabulous 55 was the unofficial beginning of the latest recruiting cycle. Texas is in the mix for some of the best players in the state months removed from signing the best class in the Big 12 and the third-best in the nation, which included the five top-rated players on the 2018 Fab 55.

Analysis: True edge rushers aren’t easy to find. That’s why the position gets drafted so high in the NFL draft. It’s a quarterback sport and the best way to stop modern offenses is to put the signal-caller on the dirt. Ceaser is a pass-rushing specialist who could play defensive end or outside linebacker at the college level. He’ll need to add weight and strength to be a three-down end. Ceaser has recorded 14.5 sacks over his past two seasons and forced four fumbles as a junior. He was a first-team all-district selection as a junior and the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore.

Analysis: Sometimes numbers tell the whole story. Let’s recap Catalon’s junior season: 101 tackles, three interceptions, caused and recovered four fumbles, passed for 1,145 yards, rushed for 1,031 and accounted for 28 offensive touchdowns. All of that as one of the smallest players on the field. His impact is enormous and he’s picked up offers from the top programs in the nation. He registered 196 tackles and nine interceptions as a sophomore, earning Associated Press defensive player of the year honors in Class 5A.

Analysis: Glass emerged as “next” at Katy when he backed up Kyle Porter and helped the Tigers claim a Class 6A Division II title in 2015. It was Glass’ freshman year and he finished with 628 yards and 14 touchdowns. Porter departed for Texas after that season and Glass has continued the tradition of elite Katy running backs. He rushed for 1,912 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior. He added 1,690 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. Glass is the only in-state running back to hold a Texas offer and the top prospect at the position on the Fab 55.

Analysis: Brooks picked up 21 offers before narrowing his list to Alabama and LSU. He’s set to decide on June 25. The 4-star outside linebacker has all the tools needed to become an effective defender at the college level because he’s big, long, is strong at the point of attack and is supremely athletic. Brooks is athletic enough to look like a safety and big enough to become a defensive end. He’ll remind people of 2018 signee DeMarvion Overshown. Brooks is a borderline top 100 player in the country and one of the most impactful defenders in the state.

Analysis: It’s already been an interesting recruiting ride Brown. He committed early to UCLA and then flipped to Texas A&M following coaching changes at both programs after the 2017 football season. Brown is a prolific receiver who can play outside or in the slot. He caught 71 passes for 1,147 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior. He was a first-team all-district selection as a junior and was named District 8-5A’s offensive sophomore of the year in 2016. He’s the son of former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown.